This title is slightly misleading in that it suggests that “multisensory coffee drinking” is some kind of new-fangled coffee drinking experience that you’ve yet to par take in. When really it describes every single coffee drinking experience you have ever had. Some of them (coffee drinking experiences) may seem to, or actually do consider this multisensory nature of drinking and eating. Others will seem to or indeed have not considered it. But that doesn’t change the fact that a multisensory experience will happen in both cases. The name of your dish, the presentation of your coffee, the weight and texture of the cup, the expectations and reactions we have to what we are drinking are always there, always happening. The term multisensory is used to describe how everything other than the actual food or drink, impacts on your experience and enjoyment of said food or drink. If we are able to understand them, we have the potential to make the most of a drinking experience for a customer. We can hopefully endeavour to better present and frame our products. This nature of eating and drinking, is something I have long been interested in with regards to speciality coffee and it is riveting to read a book that explores these themes from a scientific angle as opposed to just an anecdotal and philosophical one.
On Friday the 10th of October at 6pm we are excited to be hosting a book signing with Professor Charles Spence, co-author of The Perfect Meal- the multisensory science of food and dining. We are hosting this event as part of the Great Bath Feast that runs throughout October. The evening will start at 6pm and run for a couple of hours. I’m lucky enough to host Charles and query him about his research and the new book. We also plan to put it into action with a few coffee sensory demonstrations. This is a ticketed event. Cost is £12 per head. Feel free to contact us through either twitter, phone - 07766808067 or e-mail - enquiries@colonnaandsmalls.co.uk to reserve a spot.